~ ECHO Group Donates to Warm the Children ~

The ECHO (Elderly Citizens Helping Others) group of Westwood Landing presented $200 to Pandora Neuhart for the Warm the Children Fund. The ECHO group raises money throughout the year by making and selling their homemade greeting cards, cookbooks, walker bags, and potholders. These items can be purchased in the front lobby at Westwood Landing Assisted Living, Airport Road in Woodsfield. Front row seated are Marjorie Jacobs, Ada Schumacher and Jessie Snyder. Back row standing are Jo Corbett, Tammy Marcum, Westwood Activity Director, Pandora Neuhart, Vi Miller, ECHO President, Wilbur Jeffers and Betty Dindios.

Photo by Martha Ackerman

Around the Burnside   

Pray for a good harvest but continue to hoe.

You’re not a failure if you fall down, but you are if you stay down.

Here it is 2010, I hope you didn’t overdo things over the weekend. We held our regular New Year’s Eve party. We watched the large ball drop in New York City then went to bed. No headache on Jan. 1. Actually, I think this is what we will do. Because of the New Year’s holiday, the deadline for Around the Burnside is a couple of days earlier.

So I have no idea what happened on New Year’s Eve. I’m trying to write ahead of time so I can take some time off. Hope I can think of something to write about. Also I hope we do not have a big snow storm between now and when you are reading this.

Thanksgiving was hog butchering time. There was always help around this time so Dad always planned when there was help around. They always found time to do a little rabbit hunting too.

I always looked forward to hog butchering because there was someone around to help with the work.

The best thing was a big charge of tenderloin would be on the table in a day or two. The  first thing was a mess of liver. Tough to beat a plate of liver, plenty of mustard and a sizable mess of onions. This is what you call eating high off the hog. Come to think of it, I haven’t had a mess of liver for some time now.

Did you hear about the fifth grader that came home and told his Dad, “I finally got a 100 today.” The father replied, “That’s excellent. In what subject?” “50 in math and 50 in English,” he replied.

Christmas time was when we butchered our beef. Most likely it was a Jersey steer we had put in the barn for a while and fed him ear corn. Once again there was plenty of help.

I do not know if it’s true or not, but I heard the university would hold beef taste tests and Jersey beef won every time. Regardless, it was mighty fine eating.

As I recall a big part of the beef was canned because of no freezer. Dad did hang one of the rounds on the back porch. Dad would slice some off, Mom would pound it good with the round part of a ball pein hammer, cover it with flower, then fry it on the coal stove. Now that’s what I call eating. The round (leg) would hang on the porch until it was gone. OK, it was covered with a cloth of some kind.

I really do not remember celebrating New Year’s. I guess I remember the old man with whiskers and a scythe and a baby representing the new year. I really don’t know why. Maybe because we were heading back to school the next day. On the other hand, I think I just went to bed New Year’s Eve and woke up next year, no big deal. Then when you get up in the morning, take care of the old cows, and milk and clean the barn, you got to bed before midnight.

No TV games, no TV, only a few bowl games, no interest in football, there was little else to stay up for. Maybe cards, dominos, a hot game of tiddley winks was about it. I was a lousy checker player.

Holy: “Have you ever seen the Catskill Mountains?” Moly: “No, but I’ve seen what they do to mice.”

The football season is over except for the run to the Super Bowl. I never got too excited over the Super Bowl. I guess if the Steelers don’t wake up and get going a bunch of Steeler fans will be disappointed this year.

I guess most of the college bowl games are over and I do not know if the Buckeyes won the Rose Bowl or if they played their usual bowl game. Oh well, wait till next year.

This is the last “Around the Burnside” written in 2009 but the first one published in 2010. Man, a lot of water has gone over the dam since 1925. Hope I can keep it up.

This time of year you kind of wonder what the new year holds for you. I think it’s probably good we do not know what the new year has in mind.

It really doesn’t seem like we moved to the county 40 years ago. Gosh, that’s nearly half my life. I will say, for the most part, it has been a very enjoyable place to live.

Some of the things that made it enjoyable were the students I had in class and those who were not in my class, friends over the county, the community, the county and the people living in the county. What I’m trying to say, I’ve really enjoyed my time living in Monroe County.

Have a good year!

It’s never too late to be what you might have been.

Our Readers Write

Dear Editor,

As I am relaxing this morning following a very busy Christmas Day I think back through 2009 and wonder about 2010. What will our local economy be like? What will our American economy be like? Will there be job growth? Or will there be more “selling out” to foreign soil?

I think about all the local businesses that have closed. I won’t even attempt to identify them but if you have been paying attention, you know as well as I what businesses are no longer available for our patronage. And this statistic doesn’t include the industrial sites that have closed or reduced employment substantially.

I also think about the ones that are still operating, providing me and my family with an opportunity to buy locally. Again, I won’t attempt to identify all of them. Some of them have been very good to me. They have sold to me a quality product and have provided unprecedented support to me if the product gave me trouble. Because of what I perceive as a genuine caring for me from them I try to purchase all future items, that I’m in need of and they have available, from them.

One particular merchant, who I won’t name, has treated me so well that I consider him a friend. I ran into him and his wife in Pittsburgh a few years ago. They were having a social drink and I insisted on purchasing that drink for them. That is the least I could do for someone who has treated me so well and whom I consider a friend. We exchanged a few pleasantries and then I excused myself out of respect for this man and his wife. After all, they obviously didn’t drive to Pittsburgh to visit with me.

Over the past year or so we have seen signs all around our area encouraging us to “Support Our Local Economy.” I whole-heartedly agree with that philosophy. I especially agree with it when a local merchant even acts like they care about me and the local patrons. Many of them genuinely care.

I just wonder if I’m asking too much when I ask that we all, especially the local merchants, carry this idea of supporting our local economy another step further by suggesting that we all “Support Our American Economy” by buying only American-made products. I realize that this isn’t always possible. But we’ll never turn it around unless we try. I used to purchase Hanover and Dexter shoes. Hanover was made in Franklin, West Virginia and Dexter was made in New England area. Neither is in those areas any longer, not to mention the boot factory in Nelsonville,  that no longer exists.

If we don’t buy locally and if we don’t buy American how many merchants and/or businesses will there be left locally or in America? If they are all gone what will our standard of living be?

Truly, I wish for all a bright, healthy, prosperous 2010. God bless America. Let’s stand up for each other. Buy local - buy American.

Denny Longwell
New Martinsville, W.Va.

County Approves Appropriations

by Taylor Abbott
Staff Writer

A permanent 2010 budget totaling more than $20 million  was approved at the Dec. 28 meeting of Monroe County Commissioners.

Jeanette Harter, director, Job and Family Services, who works with the county budget, presented the budget with one item of discussion. She noted that there will be a partial carryover of funds which will be left unappropriated in the new budget. These monies can be used where necessary when needed.

With a slightly larger budget than last year, the General Fund was approved at $4,125,500.14. All other county departments were approved at $15,954,472.27 bringing the total 2010 permanent budget to $20,079,972.41.

The commissioners’ budget  for 2010 shows a total of $92,452.55; auditor’s budget, $123,025.37 and the treasurer’s budget is $126,788.38. Appropriated for the sheriff’s office was $947,094.20 plus the jail budget at $96,464.96. Items such as transports, meals and medical expenses are paid from the jail budget.

The actual amount of money spent in 2009 from the General Fund was $3,951,713.60

In other business, Commission President John Pyles made a motion to approve three individuals to the county’s Public Defenders Commission. Serving will be Attorney Bill Frank, Jim Heimann and Manifred Keylor, all of Woodsfield. 

Grizzle Ridge resident John Huffman attended the meeting concerning construction of a waterline on Grizzle Ridge. 

Pyles noted that a feasibility study was conducted in March  2009 on seven Grizzle Ridge homes asking for a water supply.  According to Huffman, engineer Jeff Vaughn, St. Clairsville, conducted the study.  

Huffman, in a telephone interview, said that the ultimate decision to extend water to Grizzle Ridge rests with the Switzerland of Ohio Water Board. He noted that they are working diligently to make water on Grizzle Ridge a reality for those residents. Huffman then thanked the commissioners for their continued support of this matter. 

GMN Agreement Approved

The Ohio School Board Association is celebrating School Board Recognition Month in order to build awareness and understanding of the vital function an elected board of education plays in society.

School Board Recognition Month honors the members of Ohio’s 719 city, exempted village, local and  joint vocational boards of education and educational service centers governing boards for their commitment to providing quality public education to Ohio’s school children.

Gov. Ted Strickland has declared January as Board of Education Month.

The Switzerland of Ohio School District is joining with other districts throughout the state to recognize the important contributions school board members make to their communities.

Serving the Switzerland of Ohio on the school board are, Scott Dierkes, Ron Winkler and Teresa Gallagher, whose terms end December 2011 and Jeff Williamson, who  begins his second term this month and Janet Schwall, who begins her first term this month.
Read more in the Beacon...

Emergency Ordinance Enacted for Woodsfield

by Taylor Abbott
Staff Writer

Woodsfield Village Council, at the request of Mayor Bill Bolon, unanimously adopted an emergency ordinance.

During the recent meeting held on Jan. 4, council declared an emergency for the village and passed emergency ordinance 1111-10. It will appropriate temporary funds for village operations. Council adopted the ordinance after its reading.

In other business, village council held a swift election for Council President. Ballots were cast twice after a tie between two councilmen resulted from the first vote. Mike Cox was then declared the winner. 

Council will hold its next meeting Jan. 19 due to the holiday.

OBITUARIES

LEONA M. KANZIG
Leona M. Kanzig, 88, Clarinda Dr., Clarington, died Dec. 27, 2009 at Woodsfield Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Woodsfield. She was born Sept. 13, 1921 in Powhatan Point, a daughter of the late Lewis and Laura Mullett Kanzig.

She was a retired postal worker, and a Protestant by faith.

Surviving are several cousins, including Delphia Kindelberger of Beallsville, and a special friend, Tammy Monahan of Clarington.

Friends were received Dec. 30 at Grisell Funeral Home, Clarington, where funeral services were held Dec. 31, with Rev. Richard Wilson officiating.  Burial was in Powhatan Cemetery.

Sympathy expressions at: grisellfuneralhomes.com 

ILA M. HARDESTY
Ila M. Hardesty, 74, Beverly, formerly of Summerfield, went to be with her Lord and Saviour on Dec. 28, 2009 at Marietta Memorial Hospital. She was born June 7, 1935 in Summerfield, a daughter of the late Charles and Hazel Carpenter Dailey.

She was a retired bookkeeper and was a member of Belpre Church of Christ. She was a wonderful Christian example to everyone she knew, a gentle loving person who was loved and will be missed by many.

Surviving are two daughters, Elaine (Paul) Moore of Roanoke, Va., Joni (Greg) Adams of Waterford; two sisters, Mary Belle Larrick, Elizabeth “Betty” Wise, both of Summerfield; and seven grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Charles E. Hardesty on May 17, 2006; two brothers, John and Herzel Dailey; and two sisters, Wanda Leach and Virginia Tucker.

Friends were received Dec. 30 at Belpre Church of Christ, then received at Brubach-Watters Funeral Home, Summerfield, until time of services Dec. 31, with Ron Laugherty officiating. Burial followed in Eastern Cemetery, Summerfield.

Memorial contributions may be made to the National Parkinson Foundation, 1501 N.W. 9th Ave./Bob Hope Road, Miami, Florida 33136-1494 or to the Belpre Church of Christ, 2932 Washington Blvd., Belpre, OH 45714.

Online condolences may be expressed at:www.wattersfuneralhome.com

WILLIAM E. SWALLOW 
William “Bill” Eugene Swallow, 79, Beallsville, died Dec. 31, 2009 in Liza’s Place, Valley Hospice Care Center, Wheeling. He was born Feb. 19, 1930 near Beallsville, a son of the late William O. and Iva L. Sumption Swallow.

He was an avid farmer, a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean Conflict, a retired employee of Conalco, Hannibal, and also a member of Sunsbury Lodge #362 F & A.M.

Surviving are his wife of 57 years, Donna Lee Saffield Swallow; two sons, Mark (Joan) Swallow of Beallsville, Jan (Rosalea) Swallow of Woodsfield; six grandchildren, Alyssa, Amy, Abby, Austin, Elaina, Westin; a sister, Winnie (Bob) Shover of Grove City; several nieces and nephews, including two nephews, Tom Ricer of Lucasville, Terry (Jenny) Ricer of Beallsville, who made their home with Bill and his wife, Donna Lee; a brother-in-law, Norman Johnston of Doylestown.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four sisters, Vivian Hinds, Irene Ricer, Marybel Smith and Cleo Johnston.

Friends were received Jan. 3 at Harper Funeral Home, Beallsville, where funeral services were held Jan. 4, with Pastor Tina Gallaher officiating. Burial followed in Beallsville Cemetery. 

Masonic services were conducted Jan. 3 at the funeral home and military honors were presented by American Legion Post 768 prior to the funeral service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Liza’s Place, c/o Valley Hospice, 10686 Route 150, Rayland, OH 43943.

Online condolences may be offered at www.harperfh.net

ROBERT W. McCARTY 
Robert “Bob” W. McCarty, 61, 33044 Morrison Lane, Fly, formerly of Lima, died Dec. 31, 2009 at his home. He was born Jan. 29, 1948 at Lima, a son of the late John Jackson McCarty and Glenna P. Christian McCarty Shockency.

He was the former owner of Hillcrest Manor in Lewisville; a U.S. Navy veteran and was a former board member for MACO.

Surviving are two daughters, Kim (Richard, Jr.) Houser of Lewisville, Bobbi McCarty of Celina; two sisters, Linda (Larry) Young of Woodsfield, Diana (Bruce) Burkholder of Lima; two grandchildren, Kameron McCarty, Shay Staugler; a great-grandson, Emmit McCarty; his companion, Lois McIntire of Fly.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Laura E. Martin McCarty; a sister, Debra Oliver; and a half-sister, Cheryl Crawford.

Friends were received Jan. 5. Burial followed at the convenience of the family.

Online condolences may be expressed at:www.wattersfuneralhome.com